Blogger Can Be Hauled Up For Slander

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- The blogsite operator who reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi fainted at a function in Lumut, Perak, Sunday could face action including being charged under the Sedition Act if the article contained elements of slander.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Water and Communications Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said the ministry was studying the report before deciding on the type of action to be taken against the blogger.
"I have not read the report in the blogsite but if there are elements of slander, action can be taken under the Penal Code. This comes under the Internal Security Ministry," he told reporters at the parliament lobby here today.
He was commenting on a report in a blogsite that Abdullah fainted at the function in Lumut. The Prime Minister has since denied the report and regretted its inaccuracy.
Shaziman said his ministry would cooperate with the Internal Security Ministry in identifying the blogger.
In addition, the blogger could also be charged under the Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998, and if found guilty could be fined RM50,000 or one years' jail or both.
Asked whether the government would control blogsites to prevent a recurrence, Shaziman said the government was holding on to the "bill of guarantee" under the Act which did not allow censorship of the Internet.
However, action could be taken against bloggers under other Acts.
Meanwhile, Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Mohd Taib described the report in the blogsite as inaccurate and "naughty" and made by certain people out to destabilise Umno and the government.
"Bloggers always want to confuse the people by reporting untruths, and their postings are usually inclined towards the Opposition. They hope to create panic and adverse effects on certain sectors," he added.
Muhammad hoped the government would take stern action against bloggers who pose a threat to peace and national security.

tunku : what is wrong with the government, don't tell me that just because the blogger reported that pak lah was fainted you will charge him.Common hp6 team, if the blogger said that pak lah died ,then i guess it justify for you guys to take action.this is just fainted.shaziman don't be to emotional just because kayjaay is your cousin.talking about bloggers, some support opposition, some support government and some are neutral, so you can find lots of channel to seek the truth.like muhammad taib said people shouldn't base their beliefs solely on articles written in weblogs or blogs, we too shouldn't base our beliefs solely on mainstream medias as they to inclined towards the government.